Archive: Dec 2012

Last month, President of Enbridge Gas Distribution, Guy Jarvis, spoke passionately about the crossroads we’ve hit as a nation looking for safe, clean, affordable and reliable energy. Natural gas flows across North America are shifting and Jarvis sees how important this to Ontario. Jarvis mentions, “If we want to continue to benefit from natural gas, we must acknowledge and plan for the massive changes taking place in the North American marketplace.” He later adds, “If we choose to let others determine our fate and do nothing, we risk being less competitive with our neighbours who already have access to newly available supplies. With Western Canadian supplies declining, we must ensure that we can access new supplies. By taking action, Ontario can capitalize on the potential economic benefits that natural gas can continue to bring well into our future.”

Although we don’t often stop to think about it, Jarvis drew attention to the clear benefits of natural gas. In addition to being safe, natural gas is clean and more affordable than it was five years ago and as such, provides great economic value for Ontario.

“Regardless of their political stripe, Ontario residents, business leaders, politicians and regulators must not lose sight of important questions. Do we ignore the changing North American energy landscape and hope for the best? Or do we take action now to leverage the changing North American supply dynamics for our benefit?”

The economic health of Ontario depends on securing our natural gas future. Natural gas accounts for almost one third of energy use in Ontario. If we want to continue to benefit from natural gas, looking to continue that discussion is something we all should consider.

Energy used in the kitchen goes beyond your cooking appliances. Hot water use can also affect your gas bill. But here are tips to cut back on water-heating costs by reducing waste.

Save in your kitchen

• Fix dripping faucets right away – dripping hot water for a month could fill 16 bathtubs (about 3,600 litres).
• Install aerators on your taps.
• Don’t run your water continuously while washing dishes by hand.
• Wait until your dishwasher is full, and use the energy-saving cycle.
• Open your dishwasher’s door to let dishes air dry instead of using the drying cycle.

Unprecedented access by its Sarnia-Lambton plants to affordable natural gas liquids from U.S. shale deposits, is something Nova Chemicals is calling nothing short of a “game changer.” Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley, and chairperson of the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership agrees, calling Nova’s expansion plans “really significant” for the community.

It’s all part of the company’s Nova 2020 capital strategy. According to Nova spokesperson, Krista Hagan, work on the project began in September to enable the plant to be fed by 100% natural gas liquids. It includes a $250-million revamp of its Corunna plant (to be completed in early 2014) which will employ 200 construction workers at its peak late next summer. In addition, Nova plans to build an 8km pipeline to carry Marcellus shale natural gas liquids to the Corunna plant, from an existing St. Clair River crossing. Hagan says construction of the pipeline is scheduled to begin in March and be completed by June, with natural gas liquids coming on line at the beginning of the third quarter of 2013.

The Nova 2020 program also proposes building a new polyethylene plant in the region, tied to an expansion at the Corunna site, and increased production at its Moore polyethylene site.

“These are very ambitious projects that would have a huge impact on employment,” said Mayor Bradley.

Do you know if access to affordable and clean energy has had any impact where you live and work? Let us know in the comments below.

Food costs go beyond your grocery bill. Consider energy consumption – depending on what and how often you cook, there are costs in how you use your stove and oven. But here are some tips to use them more efficiently.

In your oven
• Defrost your food before baking to cut energy use by a third.
• Don’t pre-heat your oven for dishes that take over an hour to cook.
• Use the window and a cooking timer instead of opening your oven door – you let 20% of the oven’s heat escape each time you break the seal.
• Use a cookie sheet to catch drips and spills rather than line your oven with aluminum foil which can reduce hot air flow, lower the inside temperature or block a vent.
• Ensure the seals and hinges on your oven fit tightly and don’t leak heat.

Other benefits of a natural gas stove
• Automatic pilotless ignition provides fuel savings.
• Push to turn knobs – parental locks.
• In a power outage, most gas stoves can be lit with a match.
• Stylish and inexpensive to use.

The Ontario Natural Gas Alliance is making every effort to make sure Ontarians know about the important role that natural gas plays in our lives. Why? Natural gas is one of the cleanest and most affordable energy sources we have in Ontario. Because of this, we think people will want to know about its significant contribution to our province along with how it could play an even greater role in the future.

Because we think people should know about its significant contribution, and not take this flexible, North American energy source for granted.

Facts are, the natural gas distribution industry delivers energy services to more than 6 million homes, businesses and institutions across Canada. As a cornerstone of Canada’s energy mix, natural gas meets over 30% of the country’s energy needs.

Not many people know that. And we should.

Watch the Canadian Gas Association’s How Natural Gas is Smart Energy video and learn how natural gas is an abundantly available, job-creating, affordable, safe, reliable, and clean source of energy for buildings and communities, large industry, and transportation.

So, how important do think natural gas is to Ontario economy? Let us know in the comments below.